The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has called on authorities to revisit the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, stressing reforms to protect citizens’ rights and strengthen democratic governance.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with leaders Mustafa Kamal and Farooq Sattar, described the amendment as a means to address escalating political tensions.
Siddiqui urged lawmakers to review and, if necessary, amend the 28th Amendment to ensure a timely resolution, noting that political parties seem generally supportive of the measure. He stressed that once passed, the public should understand that the reforms serve the country’s broader interest.
Farooq Sattar highlighted the need for empowering local governance. “It’s time to transform Pakistan’s feudal democracy into a participatory democracy,” he said. “Every city, including Karachi, should have the authority to decide its own future. Strong local governments will promote progress, stability, and national unity.”
Mustafa Kamal linked constitutional reforms to national security, stating that empowered civil administrations are vital in today’s tense regional environment. “Local governments must manage their districts effectively; otherwise, internal instability could be exploited by external threats. MQM-P’s demands are both political and a national security necessity,” he added.
The party’s statement comes after the March 13 removal of MQM-P’s Kamran Tessori as governor of Sindh, replaced by PML-N’s Nehal Hashmi. MQM-P criticized the move, saying it was made without consultation and called it a “grave mistake” by Islamabad.
Tessori hinted that his dismissal might be linked to his initiatives, including the Gul Plaza issue and the ‘Karachi Bachao Conference’. He vowed to continue advocating for the city despite his removal, saying he would remain politically silent on the identities behind the decision “in the larger national interest.”